About

WHAT IS WMI:JOBLAB?

WMI:JobLab is a unique approach to helping those who are not sure how or where to find the jobs, how to build a network or do not have the experience even entry level positions are demanding today.

We focus on getting the right opportunities before you and helping navigate that transition to the workforce.

WMI:JobLab is not a Masters program that requires a year or two of classroom study, nor a virtual program that claims it can help get you a job through online courses. It also won’t cost an arm and a leg for a degree that in the end may not benefit your job search.

WHAT DOES IT DELIVER?

WMI:JobLab has four specific aims:

1. To help you get the experience to get your foot in the door2. To work out where is the best place for you3. To help you start building the network so you know what doors might be open4. To provide the career-finding support that evaporated the day you left campus

The program begins when you apply

Our faculty works with you to find the area of the media that best suits your interests and abilities and works with you to identify the best internships available. We then work with you on your resume and interview preparation so that when you get a chance to interview you make the right impression.

WMI guarantees you an internship

As you work through your internship, WMI staff will meet with you to discuss your experiences and help you as you move toward the full time career. Internships are five days a week.

Mentorship

WMI will also assign you mentor who is working at the top levels of the media in which you hope to build a career. They meet with you four times during the program to offer insight, advice and guidance as you move towards a career.

Trade Association Memberships

WMI will also provide you a membership of the trade association most associated with your industry, including: the National Press Club, The Online News Association, the Public Relations Society of America. That gives you immediate entry to the top professionals who are the ones who do the hiring or know where the hiring is happening.

Weekly Schedule of Events and Meetups

To further help you develop your network WMI:JobLab provides you a weekly schedule of events and meetups in DC so that you can attend events and meet both peers and people who are thriving in the industry.

Weekly Class

WMI:JobLab has a mandatory one evening a week meeting that focuses on professional development ranging from key aspects of professional life to meeting industry leaders. Classes include guest speakers, field visits to top media organizations, and lectures. See below for a sample schedule.

Answers to questions regarding:

Academic Credit

Although the Washington Media Institute is affiliated with accredited schools, the WMI:JobLab program is not formally accredited. You will receive WMI credit and upon successful completion, students receive a certificate of advanced media studies.

But to reiterate, the focus of the program is not academics but work experience/networking with the aim of getting a job.

Academic Calendar

Classes take place:

Fall 2018: September 4 – December 19Spring 2019: January 7 – May 3Fall 2019: September 3 – December 18

Experience

WMI:JobLab is the latest innovative program from the Washington Media Institute. The Washington Media Institute undergraduate program is the country’s premier experiential media program where students spend a semester in DC interning and developing highly-specialized media skill sets. WMI is affiliated and has credit agreements with a dozen top American universities, including The University of Colorado-Boulder, Quinnipiac University, DePauw University, George Mason University, and St Norbert College.

In the last two years, a dozen graduates from WMI’s undergrad program have landed media jobs as a direct result of the program, including at top organizations like:

NBC News

The Washington Post

720 Strategies (PR)

Susan Davis International (PR)

Monumental Sports Network (sports media)

The Verge (digital media)

Local television stations

Rotowire (fantasy sports)

Xenophon Strategies (PR)

Paid vs. Unpaid Internships

One question that frequently comes up about internships is paid vs unpaid. Much can be written on this, but the reality is many of the best internships in DC do not pay. WMI has a policy that we will help place you in what we believe is the best internship for you regardless of whether they pay or not. If they do pay it is between you and internship.

Cost

WMI JobLab costs $3500 for the three month program. Unfortunately no financial aid is available from WMI itself.

Housing

The expectation is that most enrollees WMI:JobLab will want to arrange their own accommodations. WMI can help arrange housing if requested in advance.